By Baboloki Semele: The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has published a landmark report titled “Towards Africa’s Prosperity: Creating Conditions for a Socially Inclusive, Environmentally Sustainable, and Well-Governed Continent,” aimed at helping African countries accelerate progress toward the successful implementation of both the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The report comes as a response to the call by global leaders in January 2020 for a “Decade of Action” to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency through the launch of “Our Common Agenda,” which includes a foresight analysis aimed at identifying ways to achieve transformative change.
These calls for action coincide with growing global challenges, such as the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the intensifying climate crisis. These factors have worsened global hunger, hindered access to essential healthcare services, impaired education quality, heightened gender inequality, and exacerbated vulnerability to natural disasters and violent conflicts. Africa, in particular, has borne the brunt of these challenges, posing significant threats to the achievement of the SDGs.
Africa’s Development Agenda
The report outlines practical steps for African nations to overcome these obstacles and ensure the successful implementation of both Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063. The report’s assessment is centered around four key themes: Africa’s economic and social conditions, a broader definition of prosperity, macroeconomic projections for achieving prosperity by 2030, and the role of governance institutions in driving economic transformation.
The ECA report identifies critical “game changers” that could serve as catalysts for Africa’s development. Key among these is the urgent need for an agricultural revolution. Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage its vast green resources to become a global leader in food production and a net exporter of both raw agricultural products and processed goods.
Other major areas of focus include the development of human capital, the expansion and upgrade of infrastructure, and the unleashing of entrepreneurship and private sector growth. Gender equality and equal opportunities are also crucial, as is harnessing the urban advantage to drive growth, accelerating regional integration and trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and securing sustainable environmental practices as a foundation for prosperity.
Governance and Institutional Development
The report emphasizes that robust governance institutions are fundamental to sustainable development. Both political and economic institutions play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Political institutions, such as parliaments, the judiciary, and human rights bodies, are integral to fostering accountability and democracy. Meanwhile, economic institutions focused on national planning, resource management, and fiscal responsibility are critical to driving Africa’s prosperity.
Improving governance will require a concerted effort to bolster the capacity, autonomy, and accountability of these institutions. The report advocates for more inclusive governance models and policies that address the disparity between the rich and poor, promote judicious fiscal and monetary policies, and provide incentives for enterprise development.
The Path Forward
Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of ECA, praised the report as a significant milestone in Africa’s development journey. He commended the leadership of former ECA Executive Secretary Vera Songwe, as well as the dedicated task team led by Said Adejumobi, Director of Strategic Planning, Oversight, and Results Division at ECA, for their efforts in bringing the report to life.
As Africa continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including the climate crisis, economic inequality, and the lingering effects of global pandemics, this report offers a clear pathway toward achieving the aspirations of both Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063. It provides a blueprint for African nations to work collaboratively to build a socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and well-governed continent.
To download a copy of the report, please visit: ECA Website.
About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Established in 1958, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its 54 Member States, foster regional integration, and encourage international cooperation for Africa’s advancement.